Field Scabious
Knautia arvensis
Field Scabious is a perennial herbaceous plant that can reach heights of up to 80 centimeters. Its inflorescences are flat, head-like cymes featuring numerous individual flowers, typically violet or light blue in color. The basal leaves are often undivided, whereas the stem leaves are usually pinnately lobed. It serves as a vital nectar source for various butterflies, bees, and hoverflies.
Details
Habitat function
Serves as a larval habitat for specialized butterfly species and as an important food source for adults.
Nutrient uptake
Efficiently absorbs nutrients from the soil; shows a preference for moderate nutrient levels.
Food source for
Butterflies (e.g. burnet moths), wild bees (e.g. Andrena hattorfiana), and hoverflies.
Human use
Historically used in folk medicine for skin conditions (e.g. scabies); today used as an ornamental plant in wildlife gardens.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important source of nectar and pollen for specialized insects, particularly the Scabious Mining Bee (Andrena hattorfiana).
Natural predators
Caterpillars of butterflies, aphids, and various mollusks such as slugs.
Competitor species
Highly competitive grasses under conditions of high nitrogen availability in intensively managed meadows.
Ecosystem service
Pollination support by providing food for pollinators; contribution to soil stability through its root system.
Threats
Intensification of grassland management, over-fertilization, and early mowing dates that prevent seed ripening.
Scientific profile
Profile
Reproduction
Generative via seeds; the plant is a light germinator.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Intensification of grassland use (frequent mowing, heavy fertilization), conversion of permanent grassland, eutrophication, and scrub encroachment on nutrient-poor grasslands.